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Hero Group has announced its plans to cease operations at one of its jam production plants in Lenzburg, Switzerland, by the end of next year. The decision was made by the group's board of directors after employee proposals submitted during the consultation period "did not provide a viable alternative". Despite Hero's numerous efforts, the plant, which was opened in 2011, "never managed to reach adequate capacity utilisation," said the company. This was further compounded by a continuous decline in jam consumption in Switzerland. The closure will impact a total of 48 employees. Rob Versloot, CEO of Hero Group, said: “We are very saddened by this decision to close the production facility in Lenzburg, and especially by the loss of employment for 48 of our people". "It is a sad day at Hero, but at the same time, it is our duty to take decisions that will ensure the long-term competitiveness of the company." Hero said that employees made redundant by the closure of the production plant will be supported by the company through a “generous social plan”.